Columbus Blue Jackets Rumors: 3rd Overall Pick Potentially Available

Columbus Blue Jackets Rumors: Is the 3rd Overall Selection Available? If So, Who Might be Interested?

With less than two weeks until the NHL Draft, TSN‘s Bob McKenzie is giving fuel to Columbus Blue Jackets rumors. During a recent radio broadcast, McKenzie speculates that GM Jarmo Kekalainen and company aren’t completely sold on the presumed third overall pick, Finnish-born Jesse Puljujarvi.

For months, the spotlight has centered around Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine even though scouts have raved all season long about three NHL ready prospects in the 2016 class.

If there’s any truth to the rumor, one might question whether this has more to do with organizational depth than prospect evaluation. Let me explain.

The Blue Jackets have several players capable of occupying that right side. It starts with names such as Nick Foligno, Cam Atkinson, David Clarkson, etc.

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Then Columbus has a young man named Oliver Bjorkstrand. He produced at a two point per game pace during his final WHL season in 2014-15. It was a slow start adjusting to the pro game in 2015-16, but he eventually found his stride.

He compiled a nice point streak down the final stretch with Columbus, and has been a dominant force for AHL Lake Erie in the Calder Cup Playoffs. Heading into game four on Saturday, the Monsters own a commanding 3-0 lead in the series, and Bjorkstrand has nine goals, six assists (15 points) in 16 games.

Truth be told, the hesitation to draft Jesse Puljujarvi may have more to do with position than anything else.

The Blue Jackets could use another top-six (possibly no.1) center first and foremost. Second, they might look for a defensive upgrade – which may or may not come from Zach Werenski.

If Jarmo Kekalainen could acquire a player to address that hole up the middle, perhaps add another blueliner for depth, and slide down in the first round, it might be his best option.

Columbus Blue Jackets Rumors: Who Needs a Top 6 RW Most?

Calgary Flames

Several players have taken their turn playing alongside Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan, names that include Jiri Hudler and David Jones (both UFAs), just to name a couple.

Puljujarvi would be a great fit long-term, and could allow for quality second line production from Sam Bennett and company.

The only problem is finding a return package that works for Columbus. It’s unlikely Mikael Backlund or Michael Frolik would be of much interest, but perhaps Calgary would be willing to sacrifice one of their top four defenders to address a long-time need.

Carolina Hurricanes

Center Elias Lindholm has seen significant time on the right side in Carolina, but that could change if Ron Francis opts not to bring Eric Staal back this summer. At the same time, Victor Rask stepped up admirably upon Staal’s departure. Beyond Lindholm, players such as Andrej Nestrasil are also in the mix. There’s no doubt the Canes could use an impact top-six RWer.

If the Blue Jackets were interested, few untouchables likely exist on the Hurricanes roster. Maybe Jordan Staal, Elias Lindholm, or Victor Rask spark CLB’s interest? Carolina also has an overabundance of blueliners that could be available (minus Noah Hanifin).

New Jersey Devils

Aside from Kyle Palmieri – who had a great first season with the Devils – NJ is thin up the right side.